Nepal-China Border Floods Leave 162 Dead and Hundreds Missing
World
Powerful flooding along the Nepal-China border has killed 162 people, while 579 others are reported missing. More than 400 of those unaccounted for are foreign nationals, according to the latest figures.
The disaster struck northern Nepal after a sharp rise in the water level of the Bhote Koshi River, which flows down from the Tibetan mountains. Powerful currents triggered landslides that damaged roads, homes and other infrastructure.
The disaster also affected the Gyirong border crossing in Xigaze, located in China’s Xizang Autonomous Region. According to Chinese media reports, three people were killed in the area and another 558 remain missing.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the causes of the disaster. Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal said the emergency may have been caused by an earthquake followed by a landslide. Specialists are also considering the possibility of a glacial lake outburst.
Search-and-rescue teams from both countries are continuing operations in the affected areas. The difficult mountainous terrain and damage to infrastructure are complicating access to some disaster zones.
The situation remains fluid, and casualty and missing-person figures may be revised as search operations continue.
The disaster also affected the Gyirong border crossing in Xigaze, located in China’s Xizang Autonomous Region. According to Chinese media reports, three people were killed in the area and another 558 remain missing.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the causes of the disaster. Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal said the emergency may have been caused by an earthquake followed by a landslide. Specialists are also considering the possibility of a glacial lake outburst.
Search-and-rescue teams from both countries are continuing operations in the affected areas. The difficult mountainous terrain and damage to infrastructure are complicating access to some disaster zones.
The situation remains fluid, and casualty and missing-person figures may be revised as search operations continue.
Powered by Froala Editor